Technology and teaching are inevitably connected in today’s education system.  Janet Schwab, Media Specialist at Navarrete Elementary School, teaches technology to all grade levels.  Having worked in an elementary classroom for five years and in a technology lab for six, she gave future teachers some advice for implementing technology into the curriculum.  The following bullets are the key points that impacted me the most as she advised me in my career:

• There are three critical components teachers must remember when implementing technology into their lessons.  First, discover the content that needs to be covered.  Second, create a critical thinking component in the lesson.  Third, apply computer skills.
• Technology does not always need to be the end result of a lesson, but can be used as a tool for learning as well through WebQests and internet searches as an introduction to new content.
• Technology should be a natural part of learning in the classroom.  Therefore, teachers need to combine technology standards with the standards for other academic subjects.
• Teachers need to be organized and prepared when using technology.  Before teaching, always complete the task the students are to perform before they are given the assignment.

Graphic:  Personal Collection